Want to know how to explore Valencia on a budget? Everything you need to know is right here. I’ll give you free things to do, tips to find cheap food, and a full itinerary on how to spend 48 hours in Valencia on a budget. 

Valencia On A Budget

Anytime you travel, you’ll have to spend some amount of money. But if you want to explore the Cap i Casal without breaking the bank – it’s entirely possible. 

Although everyone has different budgets when it comes to travel. So if you want to weigh the pros & cons and get a realistic idea of how much you can spend, then make sure to read more about Valencia travel budget options.  

Because in this article, we’ll be talking about ways to keep your travel expenses as low as possible. While still getting a great experience, of course. 

So let’s start with some free activities in Valencia. Keep reading to the end to get a full, budget-friendly Valencia itinerary.

Free Things To Do

Luckily, there are plenty of free attractions in Valencia. For budget-conscious travelers, you’ll have plenty of things to do.

Let’s talk about a few of the most important things you can do for free in Valencia. But if you want to learn even more, then:

➡️ Here’s my full guide on free things to do in Valencia

Visit museums on Sunday

This is something a lot of travelers don’t know. But actually, most of the municipal museums and attractions are free on Sunday! 

That means things like the Museu Etnològic (pictured above) or the Torres dels Serrans are all free to visit on Sunday mornings. But of course, the hours are more limited – but if you have something you’re dying to visit, then this is the perfect opportunity. 

Plus, this is something I take advantage of all the time. Since I live here, I often spend Sunday morning visiting a new museum! 

➡️ The best museums in Valencia. 

Visit the Turia Gardens 

The enormous, 10km park that splits the city in two is free to visit. Go for a walk, get in an early-morning jog, or just have a picnic! 

It’s a relaxing way to spend some time in Valencia. Without spending a single euro. 

Each section of the gardens looks different, so you won’t get bored as you walk through it. I usually recommend people to start from the Torres dels Serrans and walk down to the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. 

Especially since that’s the next free activity on our list:

Walk around the City of Arts and Sciences

This is one of the hallmark attractions of Valencia. These enormous modernist buildings are a truly inspiring sight. 

While you can visit the interiors, I always tell people that you HAVE to walk around the outside. So even if you don’t want to spend money on the (relatively expensive) museums on the inside – you at least need to walk around and explore this area. 

And while these museums aren’t free on Sundays, sadly – you can look into the Valencia Tourist Card to get a discount. 

See the Museu de Belles Arts

The next free activity is one of those “hidden gems” that a lot of people forget about. The Fine Arts Museum is free every day of the week and is the perfect way to spend some time. 

While not everyone is an art fan – if you are, then you have to visit it. You’ll find some famous artists like Sorolla, Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Plus it’s in a historic building from the 17th century, which makes the whole experience even better. 

And at a minimum – it’s free air conditioning during the summer! 

Go to the beach

Obviously if you’re coming to the Mediterranean, you have to check out the beach! Valencia’s Malva-rosa and Patacona beaches offer a huge boardwalk for you to enjoy. 

And of course, it’s completely free. 

So if you want to spend some time soaking up the sun, then this is a great way to keep your travel budget low. 

Although you may want to spend €1.50 on the bus ticket to get here. But if you got the Valencia Tourist Card, then the public transport is free, too! 

Cheap Things To Do

If you’re visiting Valencia on a budget, that doesn’t mean the budget needs to be zero. So let’s look at a few activities that aren’t free – but won’t leave much of a dent, either!  

➡️ Don’t forget to read my guide on everything there is to do in Valencia. 

Museu Faller

This is always one of my top recommendations for people. 

Especially if you can’t visit Valencia during Les Falles – then you HAVE to visit the Museu Faller. It will take you back in time so you can see the winning ninots over the last century. 

It only costs 2 euros, and it’s one of the best ways to get a crash course on Valencian culture and its people. Since Les Falles is a festival that directly reflects Valencian society, I consider this to be a must-visit. 

Check here for their opening hours. 

Ride a bike to El Palmar

Another great option is to go explore L’Albufera, the coastline, and the small towns outside of Valencia.

And the best way to do this is by bike! There is a dedicated bike lane for about 90% of the trail if you head to L’Albufera. But if you just want to see the coastline and small towns, then it’s the full trail. 

This area is super relevant to Valencian history and cuisine, as many of the traditional dishes come from the fisherman and farmers from this area. Which also means it’s a great place to get paella if you want to spend a bit more money. 

And if you want to keep your budget in Valencia to a minimum, then just rent a bike from here and enjoy a lovely ride! 

Shop in the Mercat Central

Want a quick pastry? Some local fruit? Need a quick souvenir? 

Then head to the Mercat Central. 

This is one of the most famous buildings in Valencia and is an active market in the heart of the city. So it’s a great spot to grab a quick snack while admiring the architecture. 

So even though you’re traveling to Valencia on a budget, I highly recommend spending 2–3 euros on a small snack. This way you’re supporting the local farmers and bakers. 

Visit the cathedral 

This is the most expensive recommendation on the list. Of course, if you’re really sticking to the smallest budget possible, you can skip it and just visit the basilica instead. But for 9 euros, you get to see:

• Valencia’s most important church
• Roman ruins 
• A full museum
• The undecaying arm of Saint Vincent
• … and the Holy Grail (allegedly)

So personally, I think it’s worth the minor splurge. It truly is an impressive piece of architecture and history, so I would recommend it. 

And this is coming from someone who pays the entry fee every single time I host friends and family (which is several times by now).

See La Llotja

La Llotja is probably my favorite building in Valencia. This is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city – and it lives up to that classification. This 15th-Century building was once the capital of the European Silk Trade and the seat of commerce for the Kingdom of Valencia. 

So you can say it is fairly important. 

It’s only €2 to visit, and you get to see the enormous covered market held up by spiral columns. You’ll also see the gold ceilings, the orangerie, and the old wine cellar. 

Plus, you can watch a quick movie on the history of the building! 

In my opinion – highly worth it. 

➡️  Everything to do in the city. 

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

If you want to spend the least amount of money possible, then you’ll probably want to stay at a hostel. Because unless you plan on doing couchsurfing – then your lodging is likely to be the biggest part of your travel budget. 

You can check out my Hostel guide to learn more about how to find a budget-friendly hotel. But if you just want some quick suggestions, here they are:

• SOM Hostel Boutique – Best Price
• Quart Youth Hostel – Best Overall
• Home Youth Hostel – Best Location
• Cantagua Youth Hostel – Best for Nightlife 
• Urban Youth Hostel –  Best for Beach

Honorable mentions you can also check out:

• Red Nest Hostel Valencia
• Purple Nest Hostel Valencia
• The River Hostel Valencia

Otherwise, here are some tips on how to use Booking to find cheap accommodations. 

Where to Eat for Cheap

So when it comes to cheap places to eat in Valencia, you have tons of options. However, I think the best way to approach this is to look at some “categories” of restaurants. 

In other words, I’ll list a few notable restaurants that are known for being affordable. But I’ll also give you some general advice. This way, no matter where you are in the city, you’ll be able to eat in Valencia on a budget. 

Want more specific options? 👉 All the best places to eat in Valencia. 

Kebabs

There are hundreds of restaurants called “kebabs” throughout the city. They sell wraps (döner kebabs), french fries, and sometimes even pizza. Usually you can get a filling meal for less than €8. 

Now, don’t expect some sort of gourmet, Michelin-star experience. 

But if you want quick, tasty, and cheap food – then just head over to your closest Kebab. 

This is also the classic “post-party” food. So if you’re wandering the streets after coming out the club, and you desperately need something greasy, then this is your best option. The kebabs in Valencia are a staple part of the nightlife. 

Ca Paquita

Another great option to eat in Valencia on a budget is to go to takeaway restaurants. These are cafeteria-style spots that have all their food on display. Then the workers at the bar will place a portion for you in a to-go box.

These types of restaurants are really common for local workers who need a quick lunch. So thankfully, they’re usually fairly priced and good quality. 

If you don’t want to get paella at a restaurant, then this is a fantastic option to get a decent plate. 

Ca Paquita is a well-known option in Ciutat Vella, but it’s far from the only option. To be completely transparent, I’ve never gone here. But it has great reviews and is in a perfect location. So if you try it out – let me know your thoughts! 

Forns

Don’t want a full Valencian lunch, but are looking for something to snack on? Then head over to any classic forn. 

You’ll be able to find savory pastissets, coques, and sometimes even small sandwiches. So this makes it a great option to help get you buy. 

Usually you can get a small puff pastry for less than €2. So depending on your hunger level, this can also be an affordable option! 

➡️ Here are some of the best Valencian foods to try, in case you’re curious about pastissets and coques! 

Menú del Día 

There are SO many restaurants throughout the city that offer a “menú del día”. This is a closed, pre-set menu for a very reasonable price. Usually around €10–13. 

You’ll usually get an appetizer, entree, and either a coffee or dessert. Most of the time, they’ll also let you choose between a few options. 

So as a traveler looking to try the local food, this is often a great option. You get a good taste of local cuisine without paying a la carte prices. 

Practically every restaurant will offer this. So just keep your eyes peeled! 

Khambu 

Here’s a great option for any vegetarian budget travelers. 

This is a vegan fast-food restaurant. Things like burgers, fries, and salads are all very affordably priced. 

While this isn’t the only type of burger-style restaurant, it’s one of my favorites! So I highly recommend it. 

You can get a full combo meal for about €10. So while this isn’t the absolute cheapest option, it’s definitely not expensive for something so filling. 

➡️ Here are more vegetarian restaurants in Valencia! 

Neighborhood Bars

In Valencia, the word “bar” can refer to average, nothing-too-fancy restaurants. Every neighborhood will have a bar on the corner that offers drinks and cheap food. 

Is it going to be the most amazing meal you’ve ever had? Probably not. But is it going to be tasty, local recipes? Absolutely. 

So if you want to try some local food at a price locals will pay, then leave the city center for a bit. Just head over to any restaurant with an outside dining table with lots of people. Bonus points if you cannot see a sign for the name of the restaurant! 

100 Montaditos

If you’re not feeling adventurous, then this the perfect option for a lot of travelers. 

This is a safe bet if you want cheap food and drinks. 

100 Montaditos is a classic chain that’s known for having over 100 different sandwich options (the montaditos). And on Wednesday nights and on Sundays, everything is €1. 

So you can get a couple rounds of drinks and a variety of sandwiches for less than €10. There’s one located in the Plaça de la Reina. This is a great option for a lot of travelers. 

And I say this is a safe bet because it’s a chain restaurant that is very well-known. It’s very standardized and organized. So the quality is not amazing, but it’s not bad. Decent food at a cheap price in a great location. 

How to Get There

Besides your accommodation, your second-highest expensive will likely be your ticket to Valencia. Even if you’re not flying directly into the city, it can still be a hefty part of your travel budget. 

Luckily once you’re in the city, it’s not too difficult to get around. But finding a cost-effective way into Valencia can be a bit of a struggle. So I’ll send over some of my top tips for getting here while keeping your budget low. 

➡️ Check out my Public transport guide. 

Plane

If you’re coming from another country, then your flight is usually pretty expensive. You can expect to spend over €500 to come from the US. And if you’re based in Europe, then even a Ryanair flight is going to be over €100+. 

That’s why I recommend getting your tickets at least 6 months in advance for the best rates. And if you can fly into Madrid for cheaper, it’s pretty easy to get to Valencia. 

Here are some ways to lower your travel costs if you’re coming by plane:

➡️ How to get cheap flights. 

Car

If you’re already in Spain, then renting a car can be the best choice for you. If you value the flexibility that a private rental car offers you, then this is a great option. 

Usually renting a car costs around €120 for a few days, plus gas prices. So it is by far the most expensive option – but for some travelers, they find it’s worth it. 

➡️ Here’s how to get a rental car in Valencia.  

Train or Bus

Finally, the cheapest and most eco-friendly options are taking the train or bus! Especially if you’re coming from Madrid or Barcelona, it’s super easy to get to Valencia. 

If you have more time to spend in Europe, then I usually recommend this as a viable option for people. It’s an easy way to get around, is more comfortable than a plane ride, and is typically cheaper. You can expect to pay around €40 for a ticket to Valencia. 

Although as always, prices will vary. So you’ll need to be careful when it comes to the prices going up and down. 

➡️ How to get cheap train tickets. 

Money-Saving Tips

Let’s talk about some ways to stretch your wallet as much as possible. If you want to travel to Valencia on a budget, then there are a few tricks you can rely on to keep your expenses to a minimum. 

As always, some things will depend a bit on your personal travel style. So my goal with this section is to help give you some ideas on how to reduce your travel costs. Or at a minimum, help you narrow things down as much as possible!

So let’s look at some ways to save money on your trip to Valencia:

Head into Supermarkets

I can’t tell you the number of times I kept my travel budget down by simply going into a supermarket, buying some bread & sandwich ingredients, plus a bottle of water. 

It’s even more affordable if you’re able to do a small amount of cooking while you’re here. 

Because while I would LOVE to go out to eat for every meal – that takes up a huge portion of your budget. 

So try saving by buying and preparing some meals from a supermarket. 

Plus, you’ll still have a lovely time if you’re having a picnic in the Turia Gardens! 

Tourist Card

To be completely transparent – the Valencia Tourist Card is NOT for everyone. 

However, if you want to visit a bunch of different attractions and get unlimited access to the public transport, then this is a great option. 

Plus, you’ll get big discounts at places like the Oceanogràfic aquarium and the Cathedral. 

But if you do take advantage of the discounts – you can end up saving a good amount with this card! So check out my guide below to see it all broken down for you:

➡️ Is the Valencia Tourist Card worth it?

Free Tours

You don’t need to sign up for expensive private tours to discover the city. You can join one of the Free Walking Tours to learn more while keeping your travel expenses low. 

Usually on these tours, you are encouraged to leave an appropriate tip  at the end. So if you join a larger group, then leaving just 5–10 euros is probably fine. Although, if it is a small tour, it’s more appropriate to lean towards 10–15 euros. 

So if you love going on tours and having someone explain things to you – this is a great option. 

➡️ Sign up for one here

Walk!

Okay, as silly as this may sound – walking around is a great way to experience Valencia. On a tight budget, you might not want to waste money on constant metro trips or expensive tours. 

But you can explore the city center on your own two feet and admire all the different buildings. Walk around the different squares, head into the churches that are free, and go check out the gardens. 

There are tons of things to see. Take that from someone who has lived here since 2018 and is STILL finding new things to see. 

Plus, Valencia is relatively small. So if you’re just hanging out in the city center, you’ll never be too far away from anything. Which means you can pretty easily get around on foot if you’d prefer to skip paying for public transport. 

For example, I almost exclusively walk everywhere unless the weather is bad or I’m just really in a hurry. 

Budget Itinerary

I want to give you an example itinerary of how you can spend some time in Valencia for cheap. I’ll plan this out as if it were during the week. But if you come on the weekend, some of these things could be free! 

So let’s say you’re only here for 48 hours – here’s how I would spend time in Valencia on a budget:

Day 1

• 9 AM – Coffee & a Croissant at a neighborhood cafe (€4)
• 10 AM – Visit La Llotja in the city center (€2)
• 10:45 AM – Head into the Mercat Central, buy a pastisset (€2)
• 11:30 AM – Visit the City Hall (free)
• 12:30 PM – Walk to Mercat de Colom 
• 2 PM – Takeaway lunch from Ca Paquita (€8)
• 3 PM – Rest
• 5 PM – Visit Museu Faller (€2)
• 6:30 PM – Walk around City of Arts and Sciences (free)
• 7:30 PM – Head to Russafa, walk around (free)
• 9 PM – Have tapas for dinner (€15 per person) OR a kebab (€6 per person)

Total Spent on Day 1: €24—€31

Day 2

• 9 AM: Breakfast at neighborhood café (€4)
• 10 AM: Head to the beach (€1.50 bus ticket)
• 10:30 AM: Walk around the beach and El Cabanyal (free)

Here – if you like spending lots of time at the beach, then this is your opportunity. Otherwise head back to the city center. 

• 12 PM: Go up the Torres dels Serrans (€2)
• 1 PM: Visit the Casa de les Roques (free)
• 2 PM: Eat lunch somewhere with a menú del día (€12 per person)
• 3 PM: Rest
• 5 PM: Free Tour of La Ciutat Vella (a €5 tip is recommended)
• 7 PM: Grab a lemon granissada in the church square (€3)
• 9 PM: Get dinner and drinks at 100 Montaditos (€10)

Total Spent on Day 2: €32

Total Budget

Let’s say you’re staying at a hostel for 2 nights, keeping your costs down, and came to Valencia by train. 

Here’s the breakdown of what two travelers would spend:

• Hostels for 2 Nights: €80
• Food: €49 per person
• Activities: €10.50 per person
• Train to Valencia: €40 per person

Bringing the total to €279 for a couple to spend two nights in Valencia on a budget. 

Valencia Travel Resources

There are plenty of ways to travel to Valencia on a budget. 

While I can’t know exactly how much you want to spend, this guide is meant to help you keep expenses to an absolute minimum. If you want some details about other budget options, make sure to check out this guide:

➡️ Valencia Travel Budget

And if you have any questions or concerns, then just reach out. 

Bon viatge. 

Travel Resources:

• What to Pack for Valencia
• VLC Neighborhood Guide 
• Tourism Laws in Valencia
• How Many Days to Spend in Valencia
• Cost of Living

FAQs